Wayne Protheroe

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Achievements

Wayne was a moving force on the island in 1974 when Hawaii’s athletes, parents, coaches, promoters and organizers decided a wheelchair athletic association was needed on our 50th state. He was the driving force in filing the Articles of Incorporation and writing the organizational Constitution and By-laws. He engaged in board training for the new organization and served for years as Board Secretary.

Wayne’s professional talents and friendly persona went a long way in helping to develop a successful
wheelchair sports program in Hawaii. With the new organization, Wayne served as a coach, official or team lead for the HWAA teams competing locally, nationally and internationally from 1974 to 1984. He was a member of the newly formed Aloha Games Planning Committee and served as Head Official for the games from 1974 through 1987.

In 1983, the Hawaii Wheelchair Athletic Association (HWAA) was the youngest National Wheelchair Athletic Association chapter to ever host the National Wheelchair Games, heralded as one of the best and most memorable NWG’s in the history of the games. Wayne served as the Treasurer for this effort and oversaw all transportation, housing and meal service. From their first appearance on the national scene, the Hawaiian teams were always fun to be around. The all encompassing “aloha feeling” spread like wildfire through every athlete village every year.

Wayne became involved on a national level by serving on the National Wheelchair Athletic Association as a Board of Directors for many years. In addition, he served as the Vice-Chairman of the organization under Chairman Paul DePace, performing many administrative tasks and filling in where necessary. He served as the Chair of the Budget and Planning Committee, being responsible for the development of the annual program plan and budget, monitoring of progress and developing follow-up reports. Wayne served as an interim Chair of the International Relations Committee and represented the NWAA at meetings in Seoul, Korea and Stoke Mandeville, England and served on the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation Nominating Committee for years.

Wayne retired from the city and county of Honolulu following more than three decades of service.